Safe Speed Forums

Driving with a cold could seriously damage your licence
By Martyn Collins, Jan 6, 2012

It is that time of year when we're all feeling a bit under the weather, but new research could make those with a cold think twice before reaching for their car keys.

According to new findings by Halfords and insurance company Young Marmalade, driving with a blocked nose can be as bad as having four double whiskies, then getting behind the wheel.

Basically, they found that a cold can slow down a driver's reaction times and that sudden braking can become much more frequent, in the same way drink driving can.

To collect this data on driving behaviour, a 'black box' was fitted in the car that monitored speed, cornering and braking. The findings concluded that the quality of someone's driving drops by 50% when they have a cold.

Commenting on the survey, Nigel Lacy, Co Founder of Young Marmalade said: "This small-scale trial provides a warning for motorists; a heavy cold can impair a driver's mood, concentration and judgement."

Halfords Winter Driving Expert Mark Dolphin went on to add: "You shouldn't drive if you are not feeling well. The best place to be when you have flu or a heavy cold is at home, but if you really must go out, get someone else to take you and avoid driving."

If this evidence wasn't conclusive enough, the Police have warned that drivers getting behind the wheel while suffering from a heavy cold could be prosecuted. With many over the counter medications causing drowsiness that will hamper driving ability.

The Police warn, that if you are stopped and judged unfit to drive, then you've committed the same offence as someone who had driven on illegal drugs such as cocaine.

how many people will start to stop taking medication for fear of being considered unfit to drive because theit system is possibly drugged (but perfectly 'safely') ?
To create additional paranoia is not good for road safety.
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... If you are impaired in any way you shouldn't drive! Tired, ill, headaches, upset, angry, drunk, drugged. The list goes on. Drivers need to take personal responsibility. They shouldn't need to be told not to drive under those circumstances.

So what about asthma that can look a lot like a cold or other nasal symptoms like a running nose?
Will this lead to 'blowing your nose while driving' becoming an 'offence' even if managed with only one hand ?

If we see more Police on the roads this will be much better and help to lead to safe roads.